Metro Classic to feature McDonald’s All-Americans, top teams in the nation

The Metro Classic tips off this weekend at Kean University in Union, N.J., and is always one of the top events on the high school basketball calendar.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at metroclassicbasketball.com or at the ticket window on day of game subject to availability.

Here are five compelling storylines from this weekend’s event along with a schedule:

1-The Metro Classic has featured many current NBA players

Current NBA standouts Ben Simmons (Montverde, Sixers); Karl-Anthony Towns (St. Joe’s Metuchen, Timberwolves); D’Angelo Russell (Montverde, Lakers); Deandre’ Bembry (Patrick School, Hawks); Dakari Johnson (Montverde, Thunder); Cheick Diallo (Our Savior, Pelicans); Wade Baldwin (St. Joes Metuchen, Blazers); and Malachi Richardson (Trenton Catholic, Kings) have shown of their skills at the Metro Classic.

2. Kevin Boyle returns home to Jersey

The legendary Montverde (FL) Academy and former St. Patrick’s head coach once again has his team ranked No. 1 nationally by USA Today. Across three days, they will play three games against some of the area’s best teams: Roselle Catholic, ranked No. 21 by USA Today, Gill St. Bernard’s and Christ the King. For more on Boyle and the parade of NBA lottery picks he’s coached, read my Bleacher Report feature here.

3. McDonald’s All-Americans in the house

Duke-bound guard R.J. Barrett of Montverde Academy and LSU-bound forward Naz Reid of Roselle Catholic were both selected to the McDonald’s All-American Game set for March 28 in Atlanta. Their teams will square off on Friday night at 8 p.m. The 6-foot-7 Barrett is currently projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, per ESPN, while the 6-11 Reid is also a projected one-and-done as I wrote here.

RJ BarrettMontverde Academy EaglesMontverde InvitationalWatch video on Overtime

4. College commits galore

In addition to Barrett and Reid, a slew of college commits will be on display, including Andrew Nembhard of Montverde (Florida),  Filip Petrusev of Montverde (Gonzaga), Mike Devoe of Montverde (Georgia Tech), Makhi Mitchell of Montverde (Maryland), Josh Roberts of Montverde CBD (St. John’s), Darnell Brodie of Montverde CBD (Seton Hall), Ithiel Horton of Roselle Catholic (Delaware) and Donatas Kupsas of LuHi (Weber State).

Andrew NembhardFilip PetrusevMontverde Academy EaglesMontverde InvitationalWatch video on Overtime

5. Young talent on display

On top of all the college commits, plenty of young talent will be on display including Trey Patterson (Rutgers Prep), Balsa Koprivica (Montverde), Kofi Cockburn (Christ the King), Moussa Cisse (CTK), Kahlil Whitney (Roselle Catholic), Josh Pierre-Louis (Roselle Catholic), Paul Mulcahy (Gill St. Bernard’s), Frankie Policelli (LuHi) and Tyson Etienne (LuHi).

Kofi CockburnChrist the King RoyalsWatch video on Overtime